Grooming - Some boxer owners prefer to clip their dog's whiskers

Some boxer owners prefer to clip their dog's whiskers. Use blunt-nosed scissors if you choose to clip.

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Grooming - Apply a coat whitener to any of your boxer

Apply a coat whitener to any of your boxer's discolored white markings. A boxer's oily coat has the tendency to retain dirt.

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Grooming - Dry your boxer with a blow dryer

Dry your boxer with a blow dryer, using your hand or a hard rubber brush to remove excess hair.

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Grooming - Bathe only as needed

Bathe only as needed. Boxers typically clean themselves like cats, so all you have to do is shampoo him when he's dirty, using a rubber brush to loosen shedding hair.

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Grooming - Trim hairs around your boxer's ears

Trim hairs around your boxer's ears using blunt-nosed scissors every two months or when needed.

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Grooming - Check ears every one or two weeks

Check ears every one or two weeks for dirt, wax buildup and mites. When needed, clean ears with a cotton pad moistened with a few drops of ear cleansing solution.

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Grooming - Give your boxer a quick brush every day

Give your boxer a quick brush every day with a natural bristle brush to keep shedding to a minimum.

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Grooming - The even-tempered boxer is an easy dog to groom

The even-tempered boxer is an easy dog to groom. These medium-sized dogs have double, extremely short-haired coats. Their shiny, smooth coats lie flat and tight and appear in colors of brindle, fawn and red, with white markings around the stomach, chest, feet and face.

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Puppy training - Always use a rewards and praise-based method of training

Always use a rewards and praise-based method of training. Your puppy is eager to please you, and knowing that he has done something right will make him eager to do it again.

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Puppy training - Teach your boxer puppy to "Sit and Stay"

Teach your boxer puppy to "Sit and Stay" by gently putting pressure on his bottom as you firmly say, "Sit." Reward him with a small dog treat each time he remains in the "sit" position, and add the "Stay" command by removing the reward from his reach each time he begins to gets up without being told "OK."

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Puppy training - Teach your boxer puppy to "Leave it"

Teach your boxer puppy to "Leave it," by placing a small treat in your hand and pretending to offer it to him. When he comes for the treat, close your hand quickly over it, and put your hand behind your back, saying, "Leave it!" in a stern voice. When he starts to walk away, call him back, and offer him the treat again. Repeat the "Leave it!" command and remove the treat from his reach. The next time you offer him the treat, place it at your feet, and call him. When he starts to head toward the treat, say, "Leave it!" and place your foot over the treat. When he backs away, change your tone to a pleased one, and say, "OK, take it," allowing him to eat the treat. Do this several times until he anticipates being rewarded for leaving the treat alone.

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Puppy training - Roll over command

Praise your boxer puppy for rolling over each time he does so, and pat his belly, saying, "Good rollover! Good!" When he starts to link the words with the action, give him the "Roll over" command, and help him along by gently pushing him into the belly-up position and patting his belly.

Let go, praise the rollover, and give him a treat. Pretty soon, he'll link the command with the action and reward. Then you can embellish on the trick by gently moving his paws back and forth while he's on his back, saying, "Do your exercises!" Or hold him very still, and tell him to, "Play dead," praising him with the phrase "Good play dead!" and a treat.

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Puppy training - Train with doggie biscuit

Place a doggie biscuit on top of your puppy's nose, and hold it there for a second, saying, "Hold it, and wait." After a second or two, push his chin up quickly, but gently, as you say, "OK! Take it!" The biscuit should land in his mouth, and you should praise him for catching it.

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Puppy training - Give me your paw

Put your puppy in the "sit" position, and stroke the top of his front paw with your hand. He will usually lift his paw in response to the touch. When he does, lightly grab the paw, and shake it, saying, "Good shake! Good!" in a high-pitched, happy voice.

Give him a small treat, and repeat the process, saying, "Shake," or "Give me your paw," before you touch his paw. After two or three times of doing this, your puppy should automatically raise his paw on the command, and you should lavish him with praise. Reward him each time.

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Selection guide - Take your puppy to your veterinarian as soon as you adopt him

Take your puppy to your veterinarian as soon as you adopt him. Let the veterinarian perform an examination and ensure the puppy is healthy, along with getting you scheduled for the immunizations your puppy will need.

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Selection guide - Check the personality of the puppy

Check the personality of the puppy. Play with the puppy. A normal puppy should be playful and outgoing. After evaluating the puppies personality with your family, you should watch them interact with their litter.

You should watch for signs of dominance or aggression with the other puppies. As with humans, the best match for your family will probably be the puppy that is neither overly aggressive or submissive.

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Selection guide - Make sure that the puppy is healthy

Make sure that the puppy is healthy. Quick signs to ensure that the puppy is healthy include checking to see if it is alert and playful. Other signs include how it interacts with its mother and litter.

More in depth things you should check include the puppy's cage. It should be clean and frequently changed. Check the boxer's fur. The boxer's coat should be shiny. The puppy you choose should have open eyes and a wet nose. In addition, the puppy should not have any noticeable weight issues.

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Selection guide - Evaluate the whole litter

Evaluate the whole litter. Watch to see how the litter behaves as a whole. If the majority of the boxers seem distrusting or shy, then they are all probably genetically inclined to be shy. The problem with shy puppies is that most do not outgrow it. They will grow into shy dogs, who are more likely to snap at humans and other animals.

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Selection guide - Visit a responsible and reputable breeder

Visit a responsible and reputable breeder. It is really important to only use reputable breeders as your puppy's genes will determine their health and disposition as an adult. Signs that the breeder is a responsible and reputable breeder include a desire to better the the breed.

In fact, many responsible breeders will keep the best puppy out of the litter and require that people who adopt boxers with faults sign agreements to spray or neuter their puppy. Responsible breeders are also in full compliance with the laws in their area on breeding puppies.

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Entertain Boxer - Boxer's are people oriented

Boxer's are people oriented. They need to have alot of attention. Their feelings get hurt very easily. This breed of dog has a lot of energy and needs to have activities to spend it on. They are also one of the most mild tempered, loyal dogs you will find.

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Entertain Boxer - Toys make a Boxer happy

Toys make a Boxer happy. Boxer's have their own personalities and have different preferences for toys.

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Entertain Boxer - Make sure that your Boxer is constantly supplied with Chewies

Make sure that your Boxer is constantly supplied with Chewies (pig ears, rawhides, bones). This helps with their desire to chew, I kept all of mine supplied with chewies and this saved your furniture.

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Owner guide - Snoring and gas

Boxers are sometimes prone to snoring and gas.

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Owner guide - Boxer doesn't bark much

Boxer dog doesn't bark much - except with justifiable cause.

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Owner guide - Understand health problems

Understand health problems that boxers are prone to, such as hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), bloat, aortic stenosis (a heart condition), tumors and hypothyroidism (a condition that causes the body to slow down). When you adopt your dog or puppy, find out what type of screening has been done for these problems.

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Owner guide - Train your boxer when he's young

Obedience-train your boxer when he's young. Boxers are highly intelligent and quick learners, but they can be mischievous if left untrained. They also love to jump up on people and need to be trained out of this behavior early.

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Owner guide - Consider getting a crate for a new boxer puppy

Consider getting a crate for a new boxer puppy. It is helpful in house training and serves as a quiet place for the puppy. Crates are also good tools when you are training your puppy not to chew, and they help remedy separation anxiety.

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Owner guide - Brush your boxer's coat

Brush your boxer's coat occasionally with a firm brush. Trim his nails regularly.

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Owner guide - Bathe your boxer infrequently

Bathe your boxer infrequently. Because of his short-haired coat, he'll rarely get dirty.

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Owner guide - Make sure meat is the first ingredient in your boxer's dog food

Make sure meat is the first ingredient in your boxer's dog food. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content should be 4 percent or less.

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Owner guide - Vaccinate your boxer when you first get him

Vaccinate your boxer when you first get him, then get her yearly booster shots. Consult your veterinarian about flea-control products and worming your dog.

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Owner guide - Boxer does not do well in extremely cold or hot climates

Boxer does not do well in extremely cold or hot climates. If you keep your dog indoors, make sure your Boxer gets plenty of daily exercise.

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DOG FAQ - How can I recognize when my female boxer dog shows signs of being in heat?

You can note that your boxer vulva dilates. This is the first phase, known at the beginning of heat, and lasts between six and nine days. She'll be attracted by males, but will probably refuse any intent of mating. This phase can last between four and thirteen days, with nine days as average. It's not strange if it lasts around 27 days. Don't be surprised if your female boxer dog urinates with greater frequency during this period, it's normal.

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DOG FAQ - How much does a boxer dog cost?

Boxer dogs from rescues, shelters, pounds cost $50-200 to adopt from a reputable breeder $900+.

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DOG FAQ - Can a boxer dog swim?

Yes, but Boxer dogs need plenty of instruction learning to turn and maneuver in the water when learning to swim.

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DOG FAQ - Can you train a boxer dog not to droll?

Many Boxers drool - it varies from individual to individual. You cannot train a boxer not to drool, just keep some towels handy!

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DOG FAQ - What is the life expectancy for boxer dogs?

A life expectancy for a boxer dog is 11-14 years and are at health risks for cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, and thyroid.

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DOG FAQ - How long is a boxer dog pregnant?

A Boxer dog is pregnant around 62 days. Dogs who are blessed with smaller litters can outlive that deadline by about a week.

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DOG FAQ - How to Choose a Boxer puppy Breeder?

There are many ways and places of getting a Boxer puppy. How to choose a Boxer puppy can by facilitated by attending exhibitions. Dog shoes could be fruitful if you are looking for a dog that can compete in the future. Details of these exhibitions can be found in national publications about dogs.

These publications usually have information about breeders offering pedigree dogs for sale. A common breed puppy is not hard to find, but one from a special breed could take some time. In some countries there are guides, published and revised yearly, with details about available breeders and breeds.

Any national canine club can also help you with information. Generally, rare breeds and puppies of a very appreciated one, are very expensive. Sometimes, a breeder can have a puppy with some imperfection at a very cheap price. Be careful with those with some physical defect, cause in the long run they could be more expensive. Your veterinarian can also recommend you some breeder as long as his dogs are not too expensive.

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DOG FAQ - We have a cat and a dog, a friend has offered us a puppy, would they have a good relation?

Cats tend to ignore a new canine guest, but this doesn't mean that the cat will right away accept the newcomer. Animals need time to get along well between them, and it is not necessary to push them, avoiding possible trouble. The same happens when a new dog comes along another already established. Feed them separately to avoid fights. Remember that the newcomer is invading the other dog's territory; be sure of taking care of all the needs of the old dog, so he can feel that his dominant position is not threaten by the intruder.

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DOG FAQ - Which is better, male or female dog?

Usually male Boxer dogs have a greater tendency to run away than Boxer dogs. They could be, also, less sensible to training. Therefore, usually, blind people prefer female dogs as guides.

However, the major troubles with a female Boxer dogs are the reproduction activities that take place twice a year, and the risk of an accidental mating during these periods, and of course, pregnancy.

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DOG FAQ - Choosing a Dog for Family, Adult or Puppy?

When choosing a dog for family, you need to consider the dog's age. A young dog settles down easier than a grown one, and is better suited for a house with kids. Grown dogs can be uneasy, specially if they have had some other homes before, so they need more time to adapt to their new family. Some problems that can arise are, for instance, to respond to their new names or to stand by their new owners once they are without a leash.

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DOG FAQ - How to Choose a Boxer puppy?

How to Choose a Boxer puppy correctly can be difficult, specially when you are in front of many of them, at the same time. Remember this is a life long commitment, at least to the dogs life span, so choosing a dog should never be taken lightly. The first thing is to make up your mind about whether you want a pedigree dog or a mixed-breed one, but there are some other points to think about before buying a dog. Afterwards, adaptation and training phases will be crucial to help your Boxer puppy to settle down in his new environment, and developing into an enthusiastic and obedient grown dog. The playful nature of puppies is their main attraction, though grown dogs are more suitable to people of certain ages.

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DOG FAQ - How old should my Boxer puppy be before I start training ?

Boxer puppies start (learning) training the minute they are born but training by human intervention can start as soon as the puppy gets to your home for example The "SIT/STAY", most Boxer puppies love their food and will sit in great aniticipation of being fed..so while getting the food ready give out the command, "sit stay"....good dog, when you put the dish down, command, "take it" ...good dog, as the puppy gets older stretch out the time period. (The three P's of training, Persistance, Perseverance, and most important *Praise*. Also remember, a Boxer puppy has a very short attention span). Puppy school is a very good idea with a Boxer, being around other dogs and breeds at an early age is a must and helps eliminate the Boxer natural tendencies to belligerency, which should not be confused with aggression.

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DOG FAQ - What is the difference between show Quality and non-show Quality?

The first difference is price and this can vary from country to country, breeder to breeder but in most all cases the show Boxer puppy will be more expensive than the non-show Boxer puppy. Some differences can be as minor as coat quality or flash, or major as to be a disqualifying fault in boxers such as the White Boxer, the prices of the non-show dog vary within these parameters.

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DOG FAQ - What is the right age to take a Boxer puppy home ?

When the Boxer puppy is ready to leave it's Dam (Mother) which is most commonly around 8 weeks of age. The buyer, hopefully is ready to take the Boxer puppy home as soon as they have puppy proofed their home and have everything ready for the new puppy including a secure yard, a place inside to sleep, the right food, (the same as the breeder is feeding) fresh water daily and most of all time for love and attention.

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DOG FAQ - Are boxers easy to train?

Boxers are very easy to train, some owner train their Boxer from CD. However having said that Boxers are very smart dogs who like comic relief and will readily supply it if you don't....so the easiest way to train a Boxer is to make it fun, fun, fun, and always make the lessons different if you don't your Boxer will know what is coming next........then who is training whom!!!!!

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DOG FAQ - Do boxers shed much?

Boxer hair is coarse and so can cause a problem with removal but if a boxer is groomed regularly shedding should not be a problem.

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DOG FAQ - Do boxers drool lots?

Of all the Boxers I have ever known I have yet to come across one that drools. Boxers get a very wet mouth after drinking (as most dogs do) and will eagerly seek out the most expensive pair of pants or a bare leg to help them dry it!
Boxers mouths do get a bit mucky after eating but Boxers don't like that much either and will find a good cushion, blanket or carpet to clean their faces on!

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DOG FAQ - How big does a Boxer get?

The standard for Boxer males is 22 1/2" - 25" at the withers (the lump just below the back of the neck) Boxer Females 21" to 23 1/2"

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DOG FAQ - Do I have to crop my Boxer (make the ears stand up)?

The answer to the question is, "NO"....BUT whether you decide to or not is a question of taste, style and your own conscience, both ear styles in my opinion are very attractive and have their own advantages, my advice on this subject. Do what you feel is right for YOU and YOUR Boxer.

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DOG FAQ - Are Boxers good with children?

Although no dog should ever be left alone with children, it has been my experience that Boxers are a breed that can be trusted around children. A Boxer will rough house with boys and girls as well as sit or lay quietly with them, making most Boxers excellent pets around children.

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TRAINING

Because of their intelligence, Boxers can be very stubborn but when it comes to training a boxer, it can be very helpful. Owners must remember that there will be times when you ask boxer to do something and he's going to look you in the face and basically tell you where to go, he knows he is supposed to do what you are telling him but he decides he can't be bothered and doesn't. The main thing you have to remember in these circumstances is to be patient. From as early as 6 weeks old you should start your boxer dog training as this will help him when he grows up, socialize him, play with him and teach him, but do it in an exciting way and he is more likely to listen.

When your boxer reaches 13-16 weeks old it's time for some serious boxer dog training, this is the stage where he is going to test for dominance, he will nip and try to show you that he is the more dominant one, mainly by not listening to you. You have to be a strong leader at this time; you must show boxer that bad behaviors will not be tolerated no matter what!

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FEEDING

The boxer is not really a greedy dog.When feeding a boxer it is better that they are fed twice a day as they are very active, always on the go looking for their next adventure. Some boxers have sensitive digestive systems, this will mean that they have to stick to a strict diet, with no treats. A dry food is often favoured for this breed. It is also fairly common for a boxer to appear thin when it is an adolescent, so do not overfeed to compensate.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

Unfortunately, the Boxer is susceptible to several potential health problems, including hip dysplasia, bloat, aortic stenosis (a heart ailment), digestive problems, hypothyroidism, and cancerous and benign tumors.

Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism affect many breeds of dogs and their presence can be determined by testing breeding stock before mating. Dysplastic dogs should not be bred; thyroid dogs should be bred carefully to non-thyroid dogs. Thyroid disease can be controlled by medicine; dysplasia cannot be controlled and can be corrected or alleviated only by surgery.

Prospective Boxer buyers should ask breeders for proof the litter's sire and dam are free of dysplasia and for the thyroid status of both puppy parents.

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TEMPERAMENT

Although the Boxer is a loyal and intelligent family companion, his somewhat stubborn and self-confident character and high prey drives require careful consideration. Boxer must be obedience-trained to control his exuberance and guide his mettle into acceptable channels. He is, after all, a big, strong dog.

Temperament of Boxer is also good-natured, suffering the pokes and prods of children with stoicism, accepting friendly strangers, and always ready for a romp or a game. Left to his own devices, Boxer can get into trouble.

Above all, a Boxer should be even-tempered, dignified but with a touch of impish spirit, and full of courage. Aggression, extreme shyness (not to be confused with independence), and hyperactivity are unacceptable in the breed; those who are considering a Boxer should al least check the parent dogs for these undesirable traits before even looking at the puppies.

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GROOMING

The even-tempered boxer is an easy dog to groom. These medium-sized dogs have double, extremely short-haired coats. Their shiny, smooth coats lie flat and tight and appear in colors of brindle, fawn and red, with white markings around the stomach, chest, feet and face.
Step 1 Give your boxer a quick brush every day with a natural bristle brush to keep shedding to a minimum.

Step 2 Check ears every one or two weeks for dirt, wax buildup and mites. When needed, clean ears with a cotton pad moistened with a few drops of ear cleansing solution.

Step 3 Trim hairs around your boxer's ears using blunt-nosed scissors every two months or when needed.

Step 4 Use blending shears to trim stray hair growing into different colored patches every month or two.

Step 5 Bathe only as needed. Boxers typically clean themselves like cats, so all you have to do is shampoo him when he's dirty, using a rubber brush to loosen shedding hair.

Step 6 Dry your boxer with a blow dryer, using your hand or a hard rubber brush to remove excess hair.

Step 7 Apply a coat whitener to any of your pet's discolored white markings. A boxer's oily coat has the tendency to retain dirt.

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COAT AND COLOR

The Boxer is a short-haired breed, with a shiny, smooth coat that lies tight to the body. The recognized colors are fawn and brindle, often with a white underbelly and white on the front or all four feet. These white markings, called flash, often extend onto the neck or face, and dogs that have these markings are known as "flashy". "Fawn" denotes a range of color, the tones of which may be described variously as light tan or yellow, reddish tan, mahogany or stag/deer red, and dark honey-blonde.

In the UK, fawn Boxers are typically rich in color and are called "red". "Brindle" refers to a dog with black stripes on a fawn background. Some brindle Boxers are so heavily striped that they give the appearance of "reverse brindling", fawn stripes on a black body; these dogs are conventionally called "reverse brindles", but that is actually a misnomer—they are still fawn dogs with black stripes. In addition, the breed standards state that the fawn background must clearly contrast with or show through the brindling, so a dog that is too heavily brindled may be disqualified by the breed standard. The Boxer does not carry the gene for a solid black coat color and therefore purebred black Boxers do not exist.

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GENERAL APPEARANCE

The head is the most distinctive feature of the Boxer. The breed standard dictates that it must be in perfect proportion to the body and above all it must never be too light. The greatest value is to be placed on the muzzle being of correct form and in absolute proportion to the skull. The length of the muzzle to the whole of the head should be a ratio of 1:3. Folds are always present from the root of the nose running downwards on both sides of the muzzle, and the tip of the nose should lie somewhat higher than the root of the muzzle. In addition a Boxer should be slightly prognathous, i.e., the lower jaw should protrude beyond the upper jaw and bend slightly upwards in what is commonly called an underbite or "undershot bite".

Boxers were originally a docked and cropped breed, and this tradition is still maintained in some countries. However, due to pressure from veterinary associations, animal rights groups and the general public, both cropping of the ears and docking of the tail have been prohibited in many countries around the world. There is a line of naturally short-tailed (bobtail) Boxers that was developed in the United Kingdom in anticipation of a tail docking ban there; after several generations of controlled breeding, these dogs were accepted in the Kennel Club (UK) registry in 1998, and today representatives of the bobtail line can be found in many countries around the world. However in 2008, the FCI added a "naturally stumpy tail" as a disqualifying fault in their breed standard, meaning those Boxers born with a bobtail are no longer able to be shown (or, in some cases, bred) in FCI member countries. In the United States and Canada as of 2009, cropped ears are still more common in show dogs. In March 2005 the AKC breed standard was changed to include a description of the uncropped ear, but to severely penalize an undocked tail.

An adult Boxer typically weighs between 55 and 70 lbs (25 and 32 kg). Adult male Boxers are between 22 and 25 inches (57 and 63 cm) tall at the withers; adult females are between 21 to 23½ inches (53 and 60 cm).

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START TO KNOW

Boxers are good watch dogs. They are very strong and like to run in open spaces. They come in various colors like fawn, brindle, fawn-brindle mix, white, black, black-white mix, white-fawn mix, and brindle-white mix. Males are 23-25 inches at the withers (tops of the shoulders) and the females are 21 1/2- 23 1/2 inches at the withers. The boxer was bred in Germany and was originally bred for bull-bating and dog fights, but when that was ruled out they were used as hunting dogs and farm dogs and just regular house pets. The boxer was first called the brabanter bullenbaiser.

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my Boxer dog blog. Here you will learn about Boxer health care, any tips and you can find good experiences from many people who love Boxer.

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